What happens during a subcision procedure?

After examining the scar pattern, the clinician cleans the skin and uses local anaesthetic when appropriate. A fine needle or cannula is guided under the depressed scar to separate fibrous strands that pull the surface downward. The treated area may then be covered and given aftercare instructions. Subcision is intended for suitable tethered depressions, not every acne mark, pore, colour change, raised scar, or narrow ice-pick scar. Acne Scar Laser Treatment works on a different part of scar texture and may be discussed when the surface also needs attention.

Before treatment, disclose medicines, supplements, allergies, active skin infection, cold sores, easy bruising, and previous scar treatments. Arrange practical time for redness, swelling, tenderness, or bruising after the procedure. Keep the area clean as directed, avoid rubbing or picking, and protect healing skin from strong sun exposure. Attend the review so the clinician can assess the scar after early swelling has settled and decide whether further care is appropriate.

Call the clinic if discomfort is worsening, redness spreads, the skin feels increasingly hot, swelling becomes marked, drainage develops, or fever occurs. Prompt assessment is also needed for persistent numbness or a wound that is not healing. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, faintness, or rapidly progressive facial swelling.

Ask why your scar is considered tethered, what instrument and anaesthetic will be used, how the area will be protected, and what recovery usually involves. Discuss bruising, infection, pigment change, contour changes, need for staged treatment, and whether laser treatment could address remaining surface texture.